1. Overview
Kafr El Sheikh Governorate occupies the northernmost tier of the Nile Delta, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is a region defined by water—bordered by the Rosetta branch of the Nile to the west and the vast Lake Burullus to the north. It is Egypt’s undisputed capital of aquaculture, producing nearly 40% of the country's fish. The governorate is also spiritually significant, hosting the city of Desouk, home to the shrine of Ibrahim El-Desouki, which attracts millions of visitors. With its fertile rice paddies and protected wetlands, Kafr El Sheikh is crucial for Egypt’s food security and ecological diversity.
• Location: Northern Nile Delta.
• Capital: Kafr El Sheikh City.
• Key Cities: Desouk, Baltim, Fuwa, Metoubes.
• Famous For: Fishing, Rice Cultivation, Desouki Mosque, Lake Burullus.
• Population: Approx. 3.9 Million.
2. Name & Origin of Kafr El Sheikh
The name "Kafr El Sheikh" translates to "The Village of the Sheikh." It is named in honor of the Sufi saint Sheikh Talha Abi Said (not to be confused with Ibrahim El-Desouki), who lived in the village of Denqelta. Over time, the village grew into a town and eventually became the administrative capital. Historical references in medieval Islamic sources often referred to the region as "Al-Burullus" or "Al-Nestrawiyah" before the modern administrative boundaries were drawn.
3. Historical Timeline
The region was historically known as the 6th Nome of Lower Egypt. The city of Xois (modern-day Sakha) was of immense importance, serving as the capital of Egypt during the 14th Dynasty. The marshes of the north (Buto/Tell El-Farain) were associated with the goddess Wadjet, the protector deity of Lower Egypt.
Under Roman rule, the northern Delta flourished as a fishing and trading hub. Towns like Fuwa and Metoubes developed along the Rosetta branch, utilizing the waterways to transport salted fish and grains to Rome and Alexandria.
Kafr El Sheikh holds a sacred place in Coptic history. The Holy Family passed through this region during their flight into Egypt. In the town of Sakha (ancient Xois), there is a rock known as "Bikha Isus" which bears the imprint of the foot of the child Jesus. The Church of the Virgin Mary in Sakha remains a major pilgrimage site today, celebrating this heritage.
The Arab conquest brought new settlements. The city of Desouk rose to prominence in the 13th century with the life and teachings of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Desouki, one of the four major Qutbs (pillars) of Sufism. His presence established Desouk as a spiritual center rivaling Tanta.
The region was administered as part of the Gharbia province for centuries. The town of Fuwa flourished during this time, becoming a center for weaving and trade, boasting numerous mosques with distinct Ottoman-Delta architecture that survive to this day.
Kafr El Sheikh was separated from Gharbia and established as an independent governorate in 1949 (initially called Fuadiya). Modern development focused on reclaiming marshlands for agriculture and establishing the Kafr El Sheikh University, which has become a leader in agricultural and veterinary sciences.
4. Geography & Climate
Kafr El Sheikh is the northern shield of the Delta. Its geography is diverse, ranging from the lush green fields in the south to the sandy dunes and wetlands of the north near Lake Burullus and the Mediterranean. The climate is coastal-Mediterranean, characterized by high humidity, mild winters with significant rainfall, and pleasant summers, especially in the resort town of Baltim.
5. Population & Society
The population is a mix of agricultural farmers (Fellahin) in the south and fishing communities in the north (Burullus and Baltim). The society is deeply conservative and religious, heavily influenced by the Sufi traditions of Desouk. The northern communities have a distinct culture centered around the lake and the sea, with unique boat-building traditions.
6. Administrative Divisions
- Kafr El Sheikh: The administrative capital and educational hub.
- Desouk: The religious and commercial capital on the Nile.
- Baltim: A coastal city and popular summer resort.
- Fuwa: A historic city famous for Kilim weaving and Islamic monuments.
- Metoubes: An agricultural center near the Rosetta mouth.
- Sidi Salem & Hamoul: Centers for fish farming and sugar beet cultivation.
7. Desouk – The City of Saints
Desouk is the jewel of the governorate. Located on the eastern bank of the Rosetta branch, it is famous for the Mosque of Ibrahim El-Desouki. The city hosts two major "Mawlids" annually, attracting millions of visitors from Egypt and the Islamic world. It is a vibrant city that never sleeps, with markets selling religious artifacts, sweets (especially Hummus and sweets similar to Tanta), and salted fish (Fesikh).
8. Economy of Kafr El Sheikh
The economy is driven by primary production:
1. Fishing & Aquaculture: The absolute leader in Egypt, producing over 40% of the nation's fish through Lake Burullus and massive fish farms.
2. Agriculture: Famous for rice (one-third of Egypt's production), cotton, wheat, and sugar beet.
3. Tourism: Religious tourism in Desouk and beach tourism in Baltim.
9. Lakes & Natural Resources (Lake Burullus)
Lake Burullus is the second-largest natural lake in Egypt. It is a declared nature reserve (Protectorate) and a Ramsar site for migratory birds. The lake is vital for biodiversity, hosting rare bird species and serving as a nursery for marine life. It supports thousands of fishermen who live on its dozens of islands.
10. Industry & Food Processing
Industry is closely linked to agriculture. The Delta Sugar Company in Hamoul is one of the largest sugar beet factories in the Middle East. There are also thriving industries in rice milling, cotton ginning, and fish processing (canning and salting). Fuwa is renowned for its handmade Kilim (rug) industry, exporting distinct artistic carpets globally.
11. Trade & Markets
The governorate hosts one of the largest Fish Markets in the region (Borsa of Fish) in Riyadh and Kafr El Sheikh. Agricultural trade is robust, supplying rice and sugar to the rest of Egypt. Desouk serves as a commercial hub for the western Delta region.
12. Transportation & Connectivity
An extensive road network connects the governorate to the International Coastal Road (North) and the agricultural roads to Cairo and Tanta (South). The Nile River is used for transport and fishing. The railway connects the capital and Desouk to the national grid, facilitating the movement of students and goods.
13. Culture, Traditions & Daily Life
Life in the north revolves around the water. Fishermen have their own folklore, songs, and boat-building techniques passed down through generations. In Desouk, the Sufi culture permeates daily life, with frequent religious circles (Zikr). The traditional dish of the coastal areas is seafood, including distinct preparations of mullet and tilapia.
14. Tourism & Heritage Value
- Sakha Church: To see the footprint of Jesus.
- Fuwa: Known as the "City of Mosques," it has the 3rd highest concentration of Islamic monuments in Egypt after Cairo and Rosetta. A candidate for UNESCO Heritage.
- Baltim Resort: A family-friendly summer destination known for its quiet beaches ("The Family Resort").
- Tell El-Farain (Buto): An archaeological site of the ancient capital of Lower Egypt.
15. Environmental Importance
Kafr El Sheikh is on the frontline of environmental challenges. Lake Burullus is critical for the ecological balance of the Mediterranean. Efforts are ongoing to clear the lake of reeds and prevent pollution to sustain the fishing industry. The governorate is also home to the Black Sand project, extracting valuable minerals from the coastal dunes.
16. Kafr El Sheikh’s Role in the Nile Delta
It acts as the "Protector of the North" and the "Food Basket." It provides the bulk of Egypt's rice and fish. Ecologically, its wetlands act as a buffer against sea surges and a haven for wildlife.
17. Fun Facts About Kafr El Sheikh
18. Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kafr El Sheikh famous for fishing?
What is the importance of Desouk?
Is Kafr El Sheikh coastal or agricultural?
19. References & Sources
- Kafr El Sheikh Governorate Official Portal.
- "The Holy Family in Egypt" - Coptic Church History.
- Ministry of Environment (Lake Burullus Protectorate).
- General Authority for Fish Resources Development.